Montpellier City Hall, the Hôtel de Ville, operates with a commitment to data protection and transparency, outlining citizens’ rights regarding personal information collected and processed by the municipality. This commitment is rooted in both EU regulations and French law, specifically EU Regulation 2016/679 (GDPR) and the amended “Informatics and Freedoms” law of January 6, 1978.
The city hall processes collected information solely for the purpose of delivering requested services. This data is secured and retained only for the duration legally required and as long as it remains useful for fulfilling those services. Access to this information is restricted to City services directly involved in providing those services.
In alignment with GDPR and French law, individuals possess several key rights concerning their personal data. These include the right to access their data, to request rectification of inaccuracies, to demand erasure of data, to oppose processing, to limit processing, and to withdraw consent at any time. Individuals also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Commission Nationale de l’Informatique et des Libertés (CNIL), the French data protection authority.
Exercising these rights is straightforward. Citizens can contact the Montpellier town hall via mail at 1 place Georges Frêche, 34267 Montpellier Cedex 2, or via email at donneespersonnelles@villemontpellier.fr. The city hall is committed to responding to inquiries and facilitating the exercise of these rights within the legal framework.
The Hôtel de Ville itself, a modern architectural landmark completed in 2011, stands on Place Georges Frêche. Its history reflects the evolving needs of the city’s governance. Previously, the city council convened at various locations dating back to 1205, eventually settling in the Hôtel de Belleval in 1816. However, as the council’s responsibilities expanded, a new, modern facility became necessary, leading to the construction of the current Hôtel de Ville.
Beyond the central administration, Montpellier offers several “mairies de proximité” – neighborhood city halls – providing localized services. The François Villon, Tastavin, and Aubes-Pompignane locations are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM without interruption. The Mosson location operates from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, also without interruption. These decentralized locations aim to improve accessibility and convenience for residents.
The city hall also houses a municipal police station, open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM. Citizens can reach the municipal police directly at 04 67 34 88 30. This integrated approach to public safety and administration underscores the city’s commitment to citizen security and well-being.
Specific services within the Hôtel de Ville operate with defined schedules. The civil registry service is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with extended hours on Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. A telephone service is available during the same hours at 04 67 34 70 79. Public access to the civil registry is available until 15 minutes before closing time.
The “Vie Quotidienne” (Daily Life) service also operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with extended hours on Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and can be reached at 04 67 34 71 23. Like the civil registry, public access is limited to 15 minutes before closing.
The Direction de l’Urbanisme (Urban Planning Department) operates on an appointment-only basis. Instructors are available for consultations on Wednesdays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and on Thursdays from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Telephone support is available each morning from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM at 04 67 34 74 55.
Finally, the management office for the pedestrian area is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, located on Rue Durand. This dedicated service manages access and regulations within the city’s pedestrian zones.
The Hôtel de Ville’s commitment to accessibility extends beyond its physical locations and service hours. The building is easily accessible via public transportation, with tram lines 1 and 3 stopping at the Moularès-Hôtel de Ville station, and line 4 stopping at the Georges Frêche station. This ensures that citizens can readily access city services regardless of their mode of transportation.
The city’s dedication to data protection, as outlined in its charter, reflects a broader trend among European municipalities to prioritize citizen privacy in the digital age. The principles of GDPR are central to this effort, ensuring that personal data is handled responsibly and transparently. This commitment builds trust between the city and its residents, fostering a more open and accountable governance structure.
